DETECTIVES investigating the suspected murder of a Teesside woman have been conducting searches of a garden in fresh enquires into her disappearance.

Naheed Khan, from Thornaby, has not been seen since May 2018 but was reported missing the following June when family members became increasingly concerned about her wellbeing.

The Northern Echo:

One year ago, in January 2019, police launched a murder investigation into the disappearance.

Today, officers and forensics searched the grounds of a property on Briar Road, Thornaby, using a ground penetrating radar (GPR) in the back garden of the property which is designed to detect electromagnetic contrasts in the soil using radar pulses to image the surface.

A team from Alecto Forensics used the technology to look for any evidence that would help with the murder investigation.

Cleveland Police said the fresh search was launched after they received intelligence which could potentially lead detectives to Ms Khan’s whereabouts.

Deputy Investigating Officer, Detective Louise Sproson, said: “The search today could potentially lead detectives to Naheed’s whereabouts and is part of a series of planned searches our dedicated team will be carrying out early this year.

“We have received a vast amount of intelligence to date and our detectives are currently investigating over 1,800 evidential documents, 670 statements and over 4,600 lines of enquiry to follow up.

“Our team are committed to finding Naheed and bringing those responsible to justice.

“Someone out there knows what happened to Naheed.

“I strongly believe that someone is withholding crucial information and I would urge them to come forward and assist officers with their enquiries.”

The Northern Echo:

Naheed Khan

Previous enquiries in the investigation include separate searches of land behind some shops and a disused underground car park, both in Middlesbrough

Ms Khan, 43, has links to Stockton, Middlesbrough and Thornaby and is described as Asian, of slim build and around 5ft 6” tall with long, dark hair.

Detective Sproson added: “The enquiries are ongoing and we can confirm Naheed Khan’s last sighting was May 5 2018 so the enquiry has been ongoing from there. 

“Every line of enquiry and every piece of information that comes in from the public is assessed and investigated by us. 

“Our enquiry team had received some information that there may be some evidence in this rear garden that we are searching today, that might lead us to the whereabouts of Naheed Khan.”

Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 and say that you have information to help in the Naheed Khan case.

Crimestoppers is offering £10,000 for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the suspected murder.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the force via the UK Police Portal or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org